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his own actions. In fact, her precaution had been totally unnecessary. As Alinor mounted the stairs, she heard the crash of a metal cup striking either floor or furniture, and as she entered the antechamber Ethelburga also burst into it as if she had been catapulted out of the solar. Her exit was followed immediately by a louder crash. Doubtless the wine pitcher had just followed the cup. Light flickered in Alinor's blank eyes, and a quiver moved the corner of her set lips. It seemed that Ian had not been received exactly the way he had expected. |
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"Madam, madam," Ethelburga whispered, clinging to Alinor's arm as she started forward toward the doorway. "He is gone mad. Let him cool. Do not go in." |
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Alinor unloosened the maid's fingers from her arm. Her eyes flashed green fire. "I can give as good as I get. Do not fear for me. Meantime, get you below and order water to be heated and the bath to be brought up." She had not bothered to lower her voice, and the response was immediate. |
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"Alinor!" Ian bellowed, appearing in the doorway. "Get in here!" |
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The maid, who had been about to plead with her mistress again, uttered a gasp of terror and fled. Alinor raised blazing eyes to Ian's face, but decided it would not be wise to infuriate him more by refusing to obey him. It was not fear that made her docileAlinor had been beaten before and, although she did not like it, she did not fear itit was the pain under the rage in her husband's eyes, and the blood, some of it still bright and red, that stained surcoat and armor. Nonetheless, she hissed with irritation when she entered the solar. The rug and the floor were stained with wine, a chair and table were overturned, a valuable pitcher and cup were dented and damaged. |
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"Where have you been?" Ian snarled at her. |
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"I have been fulfilling your duties," Alinor replied quietly. "I have been telling the knights you defeated to come here and speak with you tomorrow." |
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